In Beijing, 25-year-old Grace and her husband have decided not to have children, defying societal and parental pressures. Their decision reflects a growing trend among young Chinese couples who are increasingly delaying or forgoing parenthood altogether, even as the government pushes policies to boost the nation’s declining birth rate.
China has faced a shrinking population for three consecutive years. The United Nations estimates the population could drop from 1.4 billion today to just 633 million by 2100. In 2024, only 9.54 million births were recorded — roughly half the number seen in 2016, the first year after the country ended its decades-long one-child policy.
Many young couples in urban areas, like Grace and her husband, identify as DINKs — “dual income, no kids.” The lifestyle prioritizes careers, financial stability, and personal freedom. Grace, a content creator, said she wants a stable income and savings before even considering starting a family. “Without these conditions, I wouldn’t even think about having children,” she explained.
Despite government efforts to encourage childbearing, including subsidies of up to $500 per year for children under three, experts say China faces significant challenges. Cultural shifts following the one-child policy, high living costs, long working hours, and economic uncertainty are discouraging couples from having more children.
“The number of people choosing not to marry or not to have children is increasing,” said demographer He Yafu. “Fertility intentions among younger generations remain weak.” Pan Wang, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales, noted that the one-child policy reshaped family norms, leading many young adults to prefer smaller families.
Economic concerns also play a role. Beijing resident Wang Zibo, 29, said he and his wife plan to delay children until the economy stabilizes. “Even if finances are good, the current economic situation makes people hesitant to start a family,” he said.
